Oakland County communities affected by water issues, some call for usage restrictions

The Great Lakes Water Authority said it experienced a disruption about 8 a.m. Thursday at its North Service Center Pump Station, circumstances that affected water flow to several Metro Detroit communities.

The water network said service was affected to Rochester Hills, Orion Township, Auburn Hills, Lake Orion, a section of Oakland Township, Troy and Bloomfield Township.

"GLWA crews have begun restoring water pressure to the impacted communities," the agency said. "The cause of the disruption is being investigated."

In response to the circumstances, three communities in Oakland County issued emergency water alerts Thursday, calling for a boil water advisory or water use restrictions. 

Here are those announcements:

Rochester Hills 

The City of Rochester Hills has lifted a boil water advisory after issuing the alert for some residents Thursday morning due to a system failure in the Great Lakes Water Authority network. 

City officials say anyone who was impacted by the advisory needs to flush their water, clean and flush appliances that use water, clean their hot water tanks and replace water filters throughout the home. Learn more about how to complete each action here.  

Auburn Hills 

The City of Auburn Hills Department of Public Works ordered a mandatory water use restriction on Thursday for the entire city. 

"RESIDENTS AND WATER USERS SHALL CEASE WATER USAGE FOR NON-NECESSARY ACTIVITIES such as watering lawns, washing vehicles, filling outdoor pools, or other recreational water activities," the announcement said. 

"The City of Auburn Hills DPW is taking this precaution because of a GLWA system pump station power outage, which has caused lower pressures to the area. 

The water system is in an emergency operational state at the moment, so the above actions will help keep water available for all customers in the area, and adjacent Cities and Townships. You may witness or experience less than normal water pressure in all areas." 

Failure to observe the Auburn Hills mandate may result in fines and/or termination of water service. 

"The City of Auburn Hills DPW will continue to monitor the water system, but this restriction will remain in effect until further notice," the alert said. 

Local residents with questions can contact the City of Auburn Hills DPW at 248-391-3777. 

Orion Township 

Residents of Orion Township were asked on Thursday morning to voluntarily refrain from all outdoor water use until further notice.  

Township officials detected reduced water pressure on their lines, resulting from a power outage at the pump station. They said on Thursday evening that it was repaired by early Thursday evening and that normal water use could resume.